Key Steps of Mitosis

1. Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible. The spindle fibers form, and the nuclear membrane dissolves.

2. Metaphase: Chromosomes align along the metaphase plate in the center of the cell.

3. Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers.

4. Telophase: Chromosomes decondense, and nuclear membranes reform around each set of chromosomes.

5. Cytokinesis: The cytoplasm divides, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Key Steps of Meiosis

• Meiosis I:

  1. Prophase I: Homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis) and exchange genetic material (crossing over), which creates genetic variation.

  2. Metaphase I: Homologous chromosome pairs align randomly at the metaphase plate.

  3. Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes are separated and pulled to opposite poles.

  4. Telophase I & Cytokinesis: Two haploid cells form, each with half the chromosome number.

• Meiosis II:

  1. Prophase II: Chromosomes condense again, but no DNA replication occurs.

  2. Metaphase II: Chromosomes align at the equator of the cell.

  3. Anaphase II: Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.

  4. Telophase II & Cytokinesis: Four genetically unique haploid gametes are produced.